Sexual Health
Contraception
Condoms are the only form of contraception that protect against STIs AND unwanted pregnancy.
If you’re 24 or under and live in Nottinghamshire, you can get condoms for FREE through our C-card scheme. The C card scheme can be accessed on Nottinghamshire County Council website www.nottinghamshire.gov.uk/youthzone/youryouthservice/c-cardregistration.htm
Other forms of contraception are available from GPs, Pharmacies and our 
CASH clinics [Adobe Acrobat PDF - 27.21 KB].
Individuals may have used the same method of contraceptive for years, but actually it may not be the best method for them.
Fortunately, contraceptive choice has improved and some methods that may have been disregarded may be quite different now. People can now decide between oral hormonal methods (the pill), non-hormonal barrier methods (condoms), long-acting reversible contraception (the coil or the injection).
The list adds up to an amazing 14 different contraceptive methods on offer, with more on the way.
It is important that everyone chooses the right method for them. Too often we only think about whether our contraception is the right choice for us – when something goes wrong. Making the right choice however can help to protect against both unwanted pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
For more information about events in this area visit the Family Planning Association website; www.fpa.org.uk,
Useful websites
www.likeitis.org.uk/contraception.html,
www.ruthinking.co.uk/the-facts/search/articles/contraception---the-facts.aspx
In 2010 NHS Nottinghamshire County and Nottinghamshire County Council undertook an evaluation of the Nottinghamshire C card Scheme. The purpose of this evaluation is to establish whether the C card scheme is meeting its aims and objectives and to identify who the scheme reaches, what impact it is having and whether the C card is of good value for money. The evaluation found that the C card scheme is meeting its overall aim of improving the sexual health of young people. It also demonstrates how the scheme is meeting its objectives providing evidence that the C card:
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Increases access to free condoms for young people
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Increases young people’s knowledge of and confidence in using condoms
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Reduces barriers that deter young people from condom use
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Increases the knowledge, skills and confidence of staff at addressing young people’s sexual health needs
Download the full report [Adobe Acrobat PDF - 395.4 KB]
Sexually Transmitted Infections
There are lots of different STIs.
The most commonly diagnosed ones are
- Chlamydia visit our Chlamydia website where you can find out how to get tested
- Genital Warts
- Genital Herpes
- Gonorrhoea
All these infections can be transmitted to and passed on by both men and women. However, you will not always know if you have an infection as some do not show signs and symptoms.
- Sores or blisters around the genital area
- An unusual discharge
- Pain when urinating or during sex
- Bleeding between periods
- Tests for STIs are painless, and treatments for STIs or their symptoms are available.
Sexual health services
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Contraception
- Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) testing and treatment
- HIV testing and treatment
- Termination of pregnancy (abortion)
- Reproductive health
- Sexual dysfunction (e.g. problems getting an erection)
Confidentiality
Everyone including those under 16 years have the right to private and confidential advice about their health and wellbeing.
When you make an appointment you don’t have to tell the receptionist what the reason is.
A carer, partner or friend can attend the appointment with you if you want support.
If you are under 16 years you will be asked some questions to ensure that you fully understand about the treatment and choices you are offered.
The only reason why a doctor might have to consider passing on confidential information without your permission would be to protect you or someone else from serious harm. However the doctor will discuss this with you first.
Sex and relationships education
SRE is not just a lesson on the school / college timetable. It is the process of learning about ourselves and the relationships we have with other people throughout our life.
When people (of any age but especially young people) begin to have or consider having sexual relationship we realise a change in how we feel about ourselves and the world around us.
This may lead to wanting loads of questions answered or read about how other people’s points of view. Either way it is really important to begin to understand and learn about what changes can occur , be able to understand the potential consequences and take control of them.
Sexwise (0800 28 29 30) is a free confidential advice line on sex, relationships and contraception for young people aged 18 or under. It's open from 7.00am to midnight every day (7 days a week).
http://www.nottinghamshire.gov.uk/youthzone/youthzone-sexandrelationships-advice.htm
